Kilnsey Park Estate
Red Squirrels, Trout Fishing & Family Nature Trails in Upper Wharfedale
Posted on 5th August 2026
Nestled at the foot of the iconic limestone cliff of Kilnsey Crag in Upper Wharfedale, Kilnsey Park Estate is a sustainable family-run attraction in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Offering a relaxing blend of countryside nature trails, red squirrel conservation enclosures, family fun fishing, and farm animal paddocks, it provides an authentic taste of Dales heritage for visitors of all ages.
Highlights / What to See 🐿️
Kilnsey Park Estate combines wildlife conservation, outdoor activity, and regional food across its picturesque grounds:
- Red Squirrel Conservation Reserve: Visit the woodland enclosures housing native red squirrels—part of a national breeding and conservation program in the Dales.
- Family Fun Fishing & Trout Lakes: Catch your own trout! Family-friendly fun-fishing ponds provide tackle and guidance for beginners, while experienced anglers can fish the spring-fed fly fishing lakes.
- Farm Animal Paddock: Meet friendly estate residents, including pygmy goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, ducks, and rare breed poultry.
- Nature & Discovery Trails: Follow scenic trails around natural spring-fed ponds, orchid meadows, and limestone woodlands with interactive quiz sheets for children.
- Estate Smokehouse & Shop: Pick up award-winning smoked trout, regional cheeses, preserves, and Yorkshire gifts from the estate shop.
The Kilnsey Estate Cafe ☕
Specializes in fresh estate-grown produce, including hot smoked trout dishes, local Dales lamb, homemade soups, fresh sandwiches, and delicious cakes. Covered indoor seating and riverside picnic tables are available.
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential details for planning your trip to the estate:
Admission & Booking Guidance
Discovery Trail & Activities Entry: A modest admission fee applies for the Discovery Trail (with free entry for children under 5), which includes access to the red squirrel breeding project, friendly farm animals, nature walks, and wildlife ponds. The Estate Café, smokehouse shop, and visitor parking are free to access without an attraction ticket. Optional activities like the beginner-friendly Family Fishing Pond (rod hire and fish caught) and Fly Fishing Lakes are charged separately.
Flexible Drop-In Visits: Tickets for the Discovery Trail and Family Fishing Pond can simply be purchased on arrival at the ticket counter. Fly fishing lake anglers are encouraged to reserve day permits online in advance.
Check current trail admission charges, seasonal opening dates, and fishing permit details directly on the official Kilnsey Park Estate Website.
* Note: Trail opening seasons (often closing over deep winter months), café operating hours, and fishing lake schedules are subject to change. Please consult the venue's official website prior to travel.
Opening Hours
Open daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Summer season extended to 5:00 PM). Check winter schedule for reduced weekday hours.
Dog Policy
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome along the nature trails and outdoor terrace areas (assistance dogs only inside main buildings).
Facilities
Estate cafe, farm shop & smokehouse, trout fishing ponds, nature trail, baby changing facilities, and public toilets.
Accessibility
Compact gravel pathways connect the cafe, shop, and lower fishing ponds. The nature trail passes over natural grassy terrain that can be uneven or muddy in wet weather.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Kilnsey Park Estate, Kilnsey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5PS
🚗 By Car & Parking
Located on the B6160 between Grassington and Kettlewell in Upper Wharfedale, roughly 12 miles north of Skipton. Free on-site parking is provided for visitors.
🚌 By Bus / Public Transport
The nearest main train station is Skipton Station. Local bus services (including the 72 route from Skipton and Grassington) stop right outside the estate entrance in Kilnsey.
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